Connor Bedard, 21, named second youngest NHL captain in Chicago franchise history

Connor Bedard has been named the 37th captain of Chicago’s NHL team, capping a busy off-season for the young centre.

The 21-year-old Bedard is the second youngest captain in the history of the storied franchise, behind Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks had gone without a captain since trading Nick Foligno to Minnesota in March.

"Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honour and something I'm truly humbled by," the North Vancouver, B.C., native said Tuesday in a news release. "The captains who have come before me have left an incredible legacy. To now have the opportunity to carry that tradition forward is something I don't take lightly."

The long-expected move comes after Bedard agreed to a five-year contract worth $75 million US in July. It occurs as Bedard ramps up his rehab in his recovery from an operation on his left shoulder.

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft is expected to miss the start of the coming season after getting hurt while skating with a group of NHL players in western Canada.

Bedard has been Chicago's most important player since he made his much-anticipated NHL debut in October 2023. He continued his steady improvement in his third season, setting career highs of 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games.

Bedard to miss start of the season after shoulder surgery

"Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk," general manager Kyle Davidson said. "From the moment he entered the league, Connor has led by example and has set a remarkable standard for himself while demonstrating his ability to make the players around him better."

But Bedard hasn't experienced much winning since arriving in Chicago. The team went 29-39-14 last season, an 11-point improvement from the previous